Peter J. Brobeil, 77, passed away on Wednesday, May 3, 2017, after a lengthy illness and a prolonged bout with pneumonia.
Dr. Brobeil was raised in Bethany, Connecticut; when it was a rural dairy farming community of less than 900 people. After graduating college, he taught in the local public schools for a number of years. He later earned a Master's Degree on a sabbatical leave from the Woodbridge, Connecticut Board of Education, studying at Michigan State University. After completing his degree, he returned to Woodbridge and was appointed District Science Coordinator. Several years later he returned to Michigan State as a Graduate Teaching Assistant, earning a Doctorate in Science Education.
After a lengthy stay as a university professor, he left the academia to pursue his life's love of fine art. Moving to the rugged and inspirational coast of Northern Maine; Dr. Brobeil immersed himself in his art, painting big game wildlife and local nautical vistas.
Possessing skills in wilderness survival and white water canoeing, Brobeil undertook numerous solo expeditions into the far north wilderness to experience and gather subject material for his art. These adventures coupled with his earlier extensive work with the American Timber Wolf, brought him into contact and ultimate acceptance by numerous tribes of indigenous people. He was known by the Cree as the only 'white man' to have successfully soloed the mighty and dangerous Mattagami River, which flows north to James Bay. A few years later, Dr. Brobeil, was given the name "Dah-ha" by the native inhabitants of the high plateau barren lands of what is the Hopi Indian Nation.
Identifying with his native brother's philosophy regarding the 'Living Cycle and its Creatures'. Dr. Brobeil was invited by the Hope Indians (Arizona) to come and live with them on their reservation at the Second Mesa. For several years he lived, worked and learned the ways of these noble and most 'traditional' people; before moving on to experience life in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia.
Upon his departure his friend and acclaimed Hopi artist, Sandy George said to Dr. Brobeil,
"We will miss you Dah-ha, but accept that it is your need now to continue upon your vision trail. "
Dr. Brobeil lived in Staunton prior to his passing and continued his art from his downtown "Coyote Wash" studio.
He is survived by a brother, John; sister-in-law, Ruth, both of Oxford, Connecticut, and a niece, Christine of Milford, Connecticut.
Following Dr. Brobeil's wishes, no formal services will be conducted and he will be inurned along with his dog, Luther, at Thornrose Cemetery in Staunton.
Arrangements under the direction of Reynolds Hamrick Funeral Homes Staunton Chapel, Staunton, VA.
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Sponsored by Reynolds Hamrick Funeral Homes & Crematory - Staunton.
November 5, 2017
Carol Womer Sim
After moving to Woodbridge in 4th grade and having a very hard time fitting in, Mr. Brobeil as my 5th grade teacher turned things around for me. His kindness, energy, and sense of fun (like making a hot air balloon from scratch!) was exactly what I needed. I tried to locate him several years ago to thank him for his significant impact on my childhood, but was unsuccessful. I hope his family will see this and that it will bring them comfort to know his life mattered deeply to me and others.
November 5, 2017
Gerry Johnson
Pete was my 6th grade Science teacher..The best and will surely be missed.
November 4, 2017
Steve Garson
Mr. Brobeil was my science teacher in 5th grade around 1965 or so in Woodbridge. He inspired a love of science that has been life long. I have fond memories of him, that caused me to Google his name after all these years. Fond thoughts to his spirit.
Steve Garson
July 19, 2017
Sandy Cook
I spent a summer at MSU and enjoyed many late evening discussions with Pete and his good friend, my brother, Michael. His passion for the majestic outdoors and often misunderstood wildlife were inspiring. I've never thought of the wolf since without thinking of Pete.
July 18, 2017
Mike Cook
I will miss Pete. We were grad school buddies at MSU for many years, playing chess daily and endlessly talking about life and the world. We canoed together on a memorable 3-day trip in northern Michigan, and we also holed up together in a cabin in northern New York for several fun days in winter nearly 40 years ago. We both left Michigan together and caravanned with our possessions to Connecticut in 1982. Pete had a rough exterior, but inside had a heart of gold. I will miss you, "Stern man". Peace and love, your "Bow man," Mike.
May 31, 2017
Friend
Brian Falbo
I was admiring a print of Sitting Bear Pete gave to me before I left Staunton and googled his name to see how he was doing. I fell out of contact with him after I left Virginia, and I regret that. Pete was a kind soul, and he and Luther became kind friends to me, and I can't think of my time there without Pete and Luther. It saddens me that I won't get to speak with him or write to him again, but his passion for people, nature, and kindness was inspiring and will be carried on in the many people who's lives he touched. I'll miss you, my friend.
May 11, 2017
The Robinsons
RIP
We were privileged to know Pete and Luther - two old souls who made the world seem a little more sane when you were in their presence. We lost a talented artist who could truly capture the essence of the person or place in his works.
May 8, 2017
Rebecca Jones
I was honored to meet Mr Brobeil through his friend and caregiver Michele Jones. He was a very memorable man and the Indian drawings he had done and was gracious enough to share some with me are amazing. Prayers and thoughts go out to Michele and Dr. Herring and all who helped care for him during his illness. This man had enjoyed experiences many of us will never embark upon.He will not be forgotten.
May 7, 2017
Connie
At peace and reunited with your beautiful, gentle Luther.
May 5, 2017
May God's loving kindness and comfort help you and your family through this very sad time Psalms 29:11
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